What are Nootropics Used For? 5 Powerful Reasons

Generally speaking, there may be two main reasons people take nootropics:

1. Cognitive Performance: to acutely enhance cognitive function
2. Cognitive Longevity: to protect or repair the brain (i.e., brain health)

According to Nootropics.com, “Nootropics allow users greater control over their states, moods, and cognitive abilities,” and there’s a wide range of functional benefits that can be reaped from nootropics.

1. Productivity

When many people think about nootropics, the first thing that comes to mind is the movie (and subsequent TV series) Limitless starring Bradley Cooper, who is able to access 100% of his brain abilities thanks to a mysterious pill. This is perhaps the most popular reason nootropics are sought after: They may boost focus, concentration, and perceived feelings of energy.

Another way to think of it is that the right nootropics may combat feelings of fatigue, cut through brain fog, and help clear through mental clutter. Certain nootropics may help with:

• Learning ability
• Recall
• Concentration
• Problem solving
• Clearer, quicker thinking

Along these lines, nootropics are often used for studying, taking exams, public speaking, writing, and other mentally-demanding tasks.2.
MoodWhen used carefully, thoughtfully, and along with an overall healthy lifestyle, nootropics may be effective at boosting feelings of well-being and energy, promoting resilience, and helping ease feelings of stress and anxiety.

Perhaps the most well-known nootropics in this category include adaptogenic herbs (such as Ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea), which may help increase resilience and rejuvenate a stressed mind and body, and L-theanine, which helps promote a calm, heightened sense of awareness. Several other nootropics may brighten mood and even promote better sleep.

3. Social Activity

Humans are social creatures, and there’s no question we thrive when we’re part of a tribe. However, regardless of where you sit on the introvert-extrovert spectrum, leading an active social life can take its toll.

• Being social can be extremely draining and exhausting.
• Many people experience tremendous social anxiety.
• Some of us may be looking to improve our social adeptness and clean up our bumbling mess of words and ideas.

Whatever the case may be, certain nootropics may be helpful. And since many people turn to booze for liquid courage and perceived stamina in social settings, nootropics may even save you the trouble of dealing with poor decisions and even the hangovers that often ensue. Basically, key nootropics may help in social settings by:

• Enhancing verbal fluency and agility
• Helping ease stress and anxiety
• Boosting feelings of energy and focus

Overall, certain nootropics may help enhance your social intelligence, help you navigate social environments, and help build relationships.

4. Exercise and Performance

While caffeine, one of the most widely studied ergogenic or performance-enhancing aids, isn’t going anywhere any time soon, many fitness fanatics, gym-goers, and athletes are exploring various nootropics to help them eek out record-setting and competition-winning performances for some of the very same reasons people turn to them to boost productivity: focus, concentration, and perceived feelings of energy.

On top of that, certain nootropics (such as alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, or Alpha-GPC for short) have shown promise in increasing strength and power (i.e., explosive performance).⁵ What’s more, by positively influencing the brain and CNS, nootropics may also improve reaction time, especially under fatigued conditions.⁶ For a competitive athlete, even the slightest improvement could be game-changing.

Nootropics have become increasingly popular in pre-workout supplements, as they are touted to enhance the mind-muscle connection, which may enhance muscle gains from strength training, increase stamina, and boost resilience.⁷ This means nootropics may be useful for a variety of athletes and sports, ranging from endurance to strength and power to cross-training.

5. Brain Health

While there is some controversy, some nootropics are touted to support brain health through a variety of neuroprotective effects. For instance, providing protection against excessive oxidative stress and free radical damage can promote brain health. Meanwhile, certain nootropics may promote a process called neurogenesis, which stimulates the generation of new neurons.

A good example is Ginkgo biloba, an herbal supplement derived from the Ginkgo biloba tree, that is a very popular nootropic that many take to boost brain power. In addition to improving memory and attention, Ginkgo may improve blood flow to the brain, promote healthy mitochondrial function, and provide protection against oxidative stress—all factors that can support brain health and cognitive function